Author:BATbloggerIn:BlogComments:Comments Off on Echo: Truck drivers support Special Olympics

21 Sep

Last week, we thanked truck drivers for all they do. On Saturday, they showed us their caring goes beyond their loads.

Saturday was the World’s Largest Truck Convoy to show support for Special Olympics. More than 2,000 truckers in 38 states and Canadian provinces participate in the event that builds awareness and raises funds. The convoy is arranged and escorted by local law enforcement.

Keith L. Fishburne, the President and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina, reported on Twitter that it took “over 18 minutes for over 150 trucks to exit the parking lot in Charlotte for the Truck Convoy.”

Other states participating on Saturday included Arkansas, Delaware, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota will host their legs of the convoy next weekend.

Author:BATbloggerIn:BlogComments:Comments Off on Spelunking: Thanks to truck drivers

18 Sep

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. There was no way we could individually mention all the drivers we truly appreciate- you all are great! We love seeing drivers take care of loads like newborn babies!

Author:BATbloggerIn:BlogComments:Comments Off on Spelunking: Going Gold

09 Sep

Alex is just like many four-year-olds. He loves playing with Legos, playing baseball, fishing with his “Papa” and is a huge fan of Captain America.

He is also one of the 10,000 children under the age of 15 expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children, and about 1,250 children are expected to die from cancer this year. But, because of treatment advances, more than 80% of children with cancer will survive five or more years. Two-thirds of those who survive will face at least one chronic health condition, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

The disease also has major financial impact- 11.9 percent of families will spend more than $10,000 annually to care for their child, and 83.5 percent of families will experience some level of financial hardship.

Every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Alex was diagnosed with cancer on July 10. He was originally diagnosed with PNET, but was later determined to have Glioblastoma. Both are types of brain tumors.

Alex is close to our hearts at BAT. His aunt is in a relationship with Vern Hayes, one of our account managers.

“Little Alex has taken on quite the fight,” Vern said. “A fight that many of us as adults have never seen the sights of in our lifetime.”

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average diesel price per gallon is $2.514, which is 4.7 cents less than last week and 17 cents less than prices were at the beginning of August. Meanwhile, regular gasoline prices are now $2.510 per gallon.

Diesel prices are still more than a dollar less than the prices were a year ago.